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Friday, January 4, 2013

Three Table Runners--One Tutorial

Did you notice the table runner on our farmhouse table in recent posts? Two ladies inspired me to make it--Carolynn at Chenille Cottage and Sherry at The Charm of Home. . . .I'm afraid I can't take the credit for the idea--although I'd sure like to. . . .

I first saw Homespun Plaid at Chenille Cottage back in October. . . .intended to make one for my Thanksgiving table--but ran out of time due to work on the keeping room. . . .

Thanksgiving passed and along came Christmas. . . . Sherry posted photos of her Farmhouse Christmas at The Charm of Home. . . .and, there on her table was another farmhouse runner. . . .That decided me!

Both women are so talented, is it any wonder I copied their idea?

I wanted a more primitive look, though--something that might have been around since the 1930s and passed down in the family--with some wear and tear maybe. . . .I also had a problem with my sewing machines--I couldn't get to them! So, whatever I made had to be sewn by hand. . . .Primitive it had to be.

My runner was very fast and easy to make. . . .Deciding the measurements took the longest time. . . .I can see that Carolynn and Sherry used a more finished technique, but if you don't mind a few torn edges, you can accomplish any of the looks by using different fabrics and this tutorial. . . .

First I found this piece of cotton that had been washed
many times and was so soft.
I think it was a flannel sheet, but I loved the texture---
perfect color, perfect thickness, perfect price.

It was not quite large enough to double, so I settled for a single thickness--
a good idea since I planned to combine the runner with other linens.

I tore all the pieces--for that primitive touch. . .
Runner--20" wide; length depends on your table
Ruffle--31" x 11" (plus 2" or more for the hem)

I also added a piece to the length by over-lapping the seams--
our table is over 6' long!

Crochet thread was used for the hand sewing. . . .

The ruffle was gathered and attached with the raw edge showing.

I left a large hem to give the ends some body.

Leaving the edges frayed, I used a simple running stitch down each side.
You could turn the edges under and use a running stitch, too,
if you'd like a more finished edge.

To add a vintage touch, I embroidered

"1930" above the ruffle. . . .

That's it! It was ready for the dinner table!

Here it is on the post The Table is Set for a Holiday Dinner. I layered the runner with a square napkin and a vintage doily at each place setting. By choosing a thinner fabric for the runner, it certainly helped with less bulk in the layering.

Perfect! You gals are so smart! I was looking for some new sewing projects and this one will be a perfect one for me! Now to pick the fabric. Dru, I love that you did this all by hand. It looks great. Love the stitches and embroidery.Blessings,Susie

How perfectly charming! It's amazing what we come up with the resources we have on hand. I have to give you credit. If I couldn't get to my sewing machine, I probably would have said forget it. But for you, it brought out your creativity and a wonderful piece. Thanks for boot scootin' on over to join in at the Old Time Party!Farmhouse hugs,Cindy

Very pretty and perfectly rustic with the pretty hand stitching. I have a white runner on our dining table with a big ruffled edge. The fabric is actually a moire (water mark) cotton left over from my wedding dress that my sister sewed for me. I love it.

Hi Dru!There you are inspiring me to make another table runner. I love the soft vintage touch you have created using a worn flannel sheet. Perfect! And your hand stitching was meant to be. When you couldn't find your machine...You made lemonade out of lemons.Thank you for sharing my homespun runner. I just love the thought of making one for each season of the year.Blessings to you, my thoughtful friend!Carolynn xxx

Oh, I like your table runner! I have a white, canvas cloth painter's tarp and I'm going to use it to make a table runner. Thanks for inspiration! I'm a new follower and would love you to follow me too! Thanks

How beautiful! I love to recycle items! I am always rummaging through thrift stores or (in good weather) yard sales looking for things I can use to make something with or redo!Pamscrap-n-sewgranny.blogspot.com

lovely table runner, I have to say the thought of the soft well washed sheet kinda made me want to wrap up in it, not sure if it would have made it to the table at my house! Maybe for a nap or two though!

Looks great! I love touches of the primitive look. From what I can see of your table underneath, the table itself looks beautiful too! We are redoing our living room/kitchen area this summer and I'm begging my husband to build me a big farmhouse table.

Hi Dru, I shouted out to you and Cindy in my post today but while I was making sure I got the link right, I came across this post and I'm sure glad I did. I cut out a runner yesterday but haven't sewn it yet. I'm glad because I was kind of wondering how to attach the ruffle, now I know (I think), I'm not the world's best seamstress..I really love yours and the others too..Happy Tuesday..Judy and your Christmas table was beautiful. I missed that one too.

Hi,Well I was blog hopping and came across your blog and checked out your tutorials. I love this idea for a table runner! Don't know why I didn't think of that! I will take before and after pics to show you when I finished mine! BTW, I started following your blog!Blessings, Diane